St. Leo University vs. CSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Saint Leo University in Saint Leo, FL with Charleston Southern University in Charleston, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Saint Leo University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (9,692 students vs. 3,832 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Saint Leo University is located in Saint Leo, FL (Rural Fringe setting); Charleston Southern University is in Charleston, SC (Small City setting).
• Saint Leo University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Saint Leo University 25:1; Charleston Southern University 12:1.

St. Leo University vs. CSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, St. Leo University or CSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Charleston Southern University than St. Leo University ($21,080 vs. $22,599).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Charleston Southern University are 26.3% lower than at Saint Leo University ($12,200 vs. $16,550).
• Charleston Southern University is 8.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than St. Leo University (about $2,520 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $30,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.4% higher at CSU than at Saint Leo University (about $2,520 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $30,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Leo University than at Charleston Southern University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Charleston Southern University students is 3.6% larger than aid received by Saint Leo University students ($23,240 vs. $22,443).

St. Leo University vs. CSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, St. Leo University or CSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between CSU and St. Leo University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saint Leo University (1090) is 40 points higher than at CSU (1050).
• Incoming St. Leo University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Leo University 980/1190; Charleston Southern University 930/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Leo University 20/27; Charleston Southern University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: St. Leo University - Test-free; CSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman CSU students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at St. Leo University (3.1).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than St. Leo University (78.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13% at St. Leo University vs. 17.7% at CSU.

St. Leo University vs. CSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for St. Leo University and CSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Saint Leo University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Charleston Southern University's (38%).
• Graduates from Saint Leo University earn a median of about $9,500 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $39,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Leo University graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($24,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, St. Leo University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($255 vs. $279).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former St. Leo University students, three years after graduation. (50% vs. 35%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.